High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup: Career Plans, Networking, and Must-Read Books

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share these every weekend so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

1. Do You Have a Career Plan?
"So many people get caught up in the casual momentum of their career that years go by without any room for growth or new opportunities. Take control of your career destiny and develop your plan."

2. 10 Must-Have Skills and Must-Read Books for Today's Worker 
"As a job seeker, employee, and/or a business of one, you will want to develop and promote these qualities in terms that are quantifiable and meaningful to your future or current boss."

© Bellemedia | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos 

3. Never Say No to Networking
"The best networking suggestion I can offer? Always say yes to invitations, even if it's not clear what you'll get out of the meeting."

4. 14 Bad Habits That Can Cost You Your Job
"A single bad habit is not likely to get you fired immediately, but the cumulative effect of the bad habit over time can."

5. 10 Things College Kids Must Do Now to Snag a Job Post-Graduation
"Never waste a summer. Sure, you know that interning is one way to get some job experience while still in college, but don't be afraid to take on more than one over the years of your entire college education."

High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup: Networking, Resumes, and Over-working

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share these every weekend so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

1. 10 Lies We Tell Ourselves About Networking
"Take a minute to think about the successful people you know and what makes them successful. Chances are they are masterful networkers and they did this by finding their own way to build mutually beneficial relationships."

2. 10 Career Facts You'll Learn After College 
"Despite what you'd like to believe, many employers won't care where you went to school, or even what you earned your degree in. They'll focus instead on your skills."

© Bellemedia | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos 

3. What to Do When You Have to Work with Someone You Don't Like
"(W)orking with people you don't like becomes a lot more interesting. Because getting to know them better, and accepting the parts of them you don't like, is actually getting to know yourselfbetter and accepting the parts of yourself you don't like."

4. How to Take Your Resume From "Blah" to "Wow"
"You are likely rivaling candidates whose qualifications are similar to your own. So, you must be the red balloon in the field of yellow ones if you want to get noticed."

5. Why Working More Than 8 Hours a Day Can Kill You  
"A combination of stress, raised blood pressure and unhealthy diets stemming from long working hours may be the cause of thousands of workers’ serious health problems."

High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share these every weekend so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!


1. Why You Need to Have Fun to Be Successful
"Once I started my business, I believed more than ever that there is a great job out there for all of us. That being said, it’s not always easy to find."


2. 5 Things to Do While You're Unemployed 
"Considering your career is a marathon, not a sprint, a class can bolster your technical skills and keep them sharp. It shows you’re serious about your industry and that you invest in yourself."


3. Graduates: Kick-Start Your Career in 3 Easy Steps
"If you're a new grad and need a job or want to upgrade from your position at the local coffee shop, here are three ways to kick-start your career."

4. 6 Ways a Career Coach Can Help Boost Your Career
"You want to think of a Career Coach just like a gymnastics or baseball coach.  They are there to help you develop your skills, give you feedback to “up your game” and help you to be the success you know you can be."


5. 30 Tips for a More Successful Job Interview 
"Pay attention to all of the senses that involve you, the candidate, as you prepare for your interview presentation: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch."

Confessions of a Real Post Grad: Jeremy Felice

I will be interviewing different post grads to document their journey, give advice, learn from their triumphs and mistakes and so other post grads know they aren't alone. I will be talking to those lucky few who got their dream job right after their degree or those who went in a completely different direction than they had planned.

1. Explain to readers where and when you graduated, your degree and your current job/schooling.

I graduated from Oakland University in Spring 2012 with a history degree. I currently work for DTE Energy and work on power lines.

2. You just described your current situation, is this where you thought you'd be as a post grad? Explain.

I thought I would be teaching a high school history class and definitely didn't plan on working outside with dangerous equipment and situations every day.

3. What is your dream job?

My dream job would probably be owning my own brewery and standing behind the bar serving happy people delicious beers.

4. What is the best thing about being a post grad?

The best thing about being a post grad would have to be the freedom and the feeling of accomplishment of getting a degree. Also, being a post grad of Oakland University, the best thing may be the ability to park my vehicle with ease.

5. What is the worst?

The worst thing would have to be that I do miss learning a lot but also that I do not have a job in the field that I studied five years for.

6. What advice do you have for recent post grads?

Great Job! You did it! Now get to paying off those student loans!

Confessions of a Real Post Grad: Alice Phun

I will be interviewing different post grads to document their journey, give advice, learn from their triumphs and mistakes and so other post grads know they aren't alone. I will be talking to those lucky few who got their dream job right after their degree or those who went in a completely different direction than they had planned.

1. Explain to readers where and when you graduated, your degree and your current job/schooling.

 Just a few days ago, I graduated from University of California, Davis with a degree in History and Asian American Studies and a minor in Native American Studies. As of now, I'm currently working on applying for jobs in the government.

2. You just described your current situation, is this where you thought you'd be as a post grad? Explain.

I always thought that I would either work for the government or a non-profit organization, so I am working towards getting to a place I want to work.

3. What is your dream job?

My dream job would either be working with a non-profit organization or the government. I want to work in a position that would allow me to use my social media skills, as well as my passion to help my community.

4. What is the best thing about being a post grad?

I have a new challenge for myself. I'm discovering who I am after college and trying to do the right things for myself because it will affect my future. I like that I'm starting a new path and that new opportunities await me.

5. What is the worst?

The worst is no longer having to attend school! Although I didn't enjoy every aspect of it, it was certainly enjoyable to be a college student.

6. What advice do you have for recent post grads?

Although things may seem difficult at certain moments, let those moments encourage you. Find ways to overcome them. There are resources, advice, and inspiration out there that can help you or lift up your spirits.

Confessions of a Real Post Grad: Michelle Parker

I will be interviewing different post grads to document their journey, give advice, learn from their triumphs and mistakes and so other post grads know they aren't alone. I will be talking to those lucky few who got their dream job right after their degree or those who went in a completely different direction than they had planned.

1. Explain to readers where and when you graduated, your degree and your current job/schooling.

I graduated in May of 2010 from a private university in the Midwest. I have a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Management. I'm currently working on my Finance MBA and will be done this August! Besides schooling, I also work full-time as a financial analyst and have had this job since I graduated with my undergraduate degrees.

2. You just described your current situation, is this where you thought you'd be as a post grad? Explain.

Honestly, I wasn't sure where I'd be after I graduated. I dreamed of traveling the world, but I bought a house 3 years ago and with that comes the reality of paying the bills. However, I do love my job though and enjoy the people that I work with.

3. What is your dream job?

My dream job would include me being successful in the financial services field. I'm very interested in trusts and estates, and would enjoy to continue doing this.

4. What is the best thing about being a post grad?

The best thing would be not having homework! Once I am done with my Finance MBA, it will be nice to have extra time. Between working 45 hours a week, about 10 hours of commuting and classes 12 hours a week, there's no time for anything!

5. What is the worst?

The worst would be... Well I honestly can't think of anything. I would say growing up, but I moved out at the age of 18 and have always paid my own bills. So college life and being graduated actually aren't that different for me.

6. What advice do you have for recent post grads?
My advice would be to set a realistic budget for yourselves. You will definitely be tempted to spend a lot of your bigger paychecks, but you might have student loans and other debt to pay first! Also dream big and try to negotiate your salary and benefits if you have the opportunity.

Confessions of a Real Post Grad: Sara Gaona

I will be interviewing different post grads to document their journey, give advice, learn from their triumphs and mistakes and so other post grads know they aren't alone. I will be talking to those lucky few who got their dream job right after their degree or those who went in a completely different direction than they had planned.
1. Explain to readers where and when you graduated, your degree and your current job/schooling.

I graduated this past May 2012 from Fairleigh Dickinson University with my BA in Communications with minors in Sociology and Public Relations. I am currently a Public Relations Associate at Gail Schoenberg PR in New Jersey.

2. You just described your current situation, is this where you thought you'd be as a post grad? Explain.

Yes it is. Not to sound cocky at all but I had numerous internships throughout my college career and got heavily involved with public relations in many different ways so I could have a career in my field. I was also active in clubs in school and organizations out of school that were well known like the Intern Queen campus ambassador program.

3. What is your dream job?

I am working my dream job in a sense at the moment. I realized my last year of college how much of a foodie I am and started a blog which lead to the company I work for finding me. I love doing public relations for restaurants and food brands. It's a passion of mine and I'm happy I'm doing it now. If I could put my passion for public relations, food, and television together that would be my dream job. I interned at The Rachael Ray Show the fall of my senior year and loved it, I want to be the next Rachael eventually.

4. What is the best thing about being a post grad?

Not having class to wake up for. I love waking up everyday for my job and my schedule is awesome. It's also nice not having to worry about anything school related except for loans. The independence is great. I was able to move out sooner than expected so as much as it can be a challenge at times, I'm grateful. I am also enjoying having weekends open to an extent, because I've worked jobs where weekends were mandatory. I can relax if I want.

5. What is the worst?

Bills. Now that I have bills to pay I really need to budget. So as much as I have freedom it's going to be a test for me to budget. It's not the worst but it's a challenge. 

6. What advice do you have for recent post grads?

Don't put yourself in a box, you can do whatever you want and always stay busy & motivated.

Confessions of a Real Post Grad: Kathleen Hurley

I will be interviewing different post grads to document their journey, give advice, learn from their triumphs and mistakes and so other post grads know they aren't alone. I will be talking to those lucky few who got their dream job right after their degree or those who went in a completely different direction than they had planned.

1. Explain to readers where and when you graduated, your degree and your current job/schooling.

I graduated from Syracuse University in 2010 with a dual degree in public relations and psychology.  I am currently the Marketing and Promotions Coordinator for Athletics at Drew University, which is a small liberal arts school in New Jersey.  Prior to this, I worked for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, which is the top high school football all-star game in the country.  That was my first job out of college.

2. You just described your current situation, is this where you thought you'd be as a post grad?

Syracuse's public relations program is one of the top in the country, and the majority of my friends were looking for jobs in some of the world's top agencies and firms.  I spent my whole summer going on interviews at various agencies, but I knew I wanted to work in sports and entertainment.  I had no idea that what I really wanted to do was event management and not more traditional public relations work.  I didn't realized that until I was about a year out of school.  Today, I am hoping to make a career in college athletics - which I had also not thought of until I was in it.  The great thing about my first job is that it wasn't exactly what I thought I wanted, but now I know what I thought I wanted wasn't for me.  Most of my friends are still at those same firms, and while I sometimes envy their stability, my job has taken me to really great places and I get to meet lots of interesting people.  I definitely thought I would get a job right out of school and work my way up the ladder and stay there for who knows how long.  But if I had that, I might be bored.

3. What is your dream job?

My dream job has not changed, I just didn't realize what career path I needed to be on to get there when I was an undergrad.  I want to someday plan an Olympic games.  I would also settle for the Super Bowl.

4. What is the best thing about being a post grad?

The best thing about being a post grad for me has been the life experiences.  I learned more about the career world in my first year out of school then I learned in four years of school.  I now know that the things I was taught growing up - such as that my boss will always know best and that if I keep my head down and work hard I'll get ahead, are not always true.  Experience and education are extremely important, but they don't mean as much in my field if you haven't met the right people.  This is not true for every career, but in communications it is.

5. What is the worst?

There are two difficult parts.  The first is missing college.  All of my friends from college literally moved to the west coast after graduation.  It has been rare for me to see any of them in the past two years.  I miss the awesome social life I had in college - now I work nights and weekends because I am in sports.  Also, it is really difficult knowing that I have an impressive background, but that I haven't met the right people to get the job I really want.  Unlike in school, where getting the grades got you noticed, it hasn't been enough for me in the real world.

6. What advice do you have for recent post grads?

Figure out your niche.  I knew I wanted to work in sports - but that is a huge field.  I started out after graduation working for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, and got the job at Drew through a contact there.  Now I realize I'm much happier in a college atmosphere, which was not a career path I had considered.

The other thing is to use your career center as early and as often as possible.  They had to kick me out of the office I was in there so much senior year.  As a result of talking to the career center, I had a much stronger resume and cover letter than lots of other candidates.  But the number one thing is definitely networking.  Write your professors thank you notes and mail them or drop them off after finals, then add them on LinkedIn.  Make some business cards and don't be shy about handing them out!

Confessions of a Real Post Grad: Jeanette Bravo

I will be interviewing different post grads to document their journey, give advice, learn from their triumphs and mistakes and so other post grads know they aren't alone. I will be talking to those lucky few who got their dream job right after their degree or those who went in a completely different direction than they had planned.

1. Explain to readers where and when you graduated, your degree and your current job/schooling.

This month, I graduated from the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University. I graduated with a bachelors of arts in communication with minors in tourism development and management as well as special events management. In addition, I graduated with a certificate in convention sales and meeting planning.

2. You just described your current situation, is this where you thought you'd be as a post grad? Explain. 

Four years ago, I either wanted to be a teacher or a communications/special events director for a non-profit. Going into college, I wasn't sure of which pathway to choose but I believe that my 18-year-old self would be proud of the courses I took and the accomplishments I've made. In some perspective, this is where I would have hoped to be.

3. What is your dream job?

My dream job is a career where I can experience the best of both worlds. To me, that is a career that includes both communication-based work as well as special events management. The wide variety of workplace settings that I would enjoy include higher education, a non-profit organization, a tourism-related pr agency or an airline.

4. What is the best thing about being a post grad?

The best thing about being a post grad is making all your hard work pay off through a job that you love. Moreover, it's fun to see my peers accomplish their career goals around the country.

5. What is the worst? 

The worst thing about being a post grad is my transition from a crazy schedule to a normal one. I was quite in involved in college with various organizations, a job, internship, class, and I enjoyed going out on the weekends. Okay, weekdays can be included, but now my schedule is completely different where I feel like I have to fill up my time.

6. What advice do you have for recent post grads?

Don't feel obligated that you have to join the whole "let's completely freak out about finding a job before I graduate" club. If you are able to financially and if your industry of interest is broad enough, I think that you should search for a job that you completely love rather than one that you just like.

Confessions of a Real Post Grad: Colleen Godlewski

I will be interviewing different post grads to document their journey, give advice, learn from their triumphs and mistakes and so other post grads know they aren't alone. I will be talking to those lucky few who got their dream job right after their degree or those who went in a completely different direction than they had planned.

1. Explain to readers where and when you graduated, your degree and your current job/schooling.

I graduated from Oakland University in December 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Currently, I work at an upscale family-owned dance studio as a Sales & Event Coordinator.

2. You just described your current situation, is this where you thought you'd be as a post grad?

Upon graduation, I assumed I would send out a ton of resumes and find a full time job within the corporate sector of communications at a prosperous company. I was working at the studio while I was attending college, and I have been promoted since but it is still not the full-time position that I strive for. I used to have a clear picture of what my dream job would be but now, it would be a dream come true to find something that puts my degree to use, full-time, with benefits within the state of Michigan. It looks more and more impossible as the days drag on.

3. What is the best thing about being a post grad?

The best thing about being a post grad is actually having some sort of experience when applying for jobs. The degree itself gives you something to rely on. And also, the extra time (that you once would have spent in class) is nice and helps clear your schedule.

4. What is the worst?

The worst thing about being a post grad is the money struggle. Paying back loans is the worst, especially when you haven't found your perfect career yet.

5. What advice do you have for recent post grads?

My advice to post grads is to keep your head up, continue to make as many professional connections as you can and create a flawless resume that employers will have to look twice at.

Confessions of a Real Post Grad: Allison McGee

I will be interviewing different post grads to document their journey, give advice, learn from their triumphs and mistakes and so other post grads know they aren't alone. I will be talking to those lucky few who got their dream job right after their degree or those who went in a completely different direction than they had planned.

1. Explain to readers where and when you graduated, your degree and your current job/schooling.
I graduated in May 2010 from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC with a BS in Biology. It took me a year to find a full-time job. During my "gap" year, I worked part-time as a pre-school assistant teacher and as a Pharmacy Technician. I was employed in April 2011 by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). I am a Regulatory Documents Specialist for the Infectious Diseases Clinical trials unit. Basically, I do a lot of the paper work behind all the studies that keeps them ethical and gets them approved to continue every year.

2. You just described your current situation, is this where you thought you'd be as a post grad?

While I was in school, my plan was to go to pharmacy school. After working in a pharmacy for five years as a technician, I began to hate it. I finally realized (spring semester senior year, great timing huh?) that I didn't want to be stuck in a career that I hated. I still have no idea what I want to do! While I was a student, I thought I would have everything put together by now, but that is not the case!

3. What is the best thing about being a post grad?

The best part about being a post grad is coming home and not having to worry about doing anything! I know this isn't true for everyone, but for me it's the best thing! I love coming home after work and I can choose what I have to do and nothing is mandatory. I don't have to worry about that paper due next week or that test tomorrow morning. Its a great feeling! 

4. What is the worst?

The worst part for me is the loss of community. Once you're out in the "real world" it can be really hard to meet people/make friends. To do so, you have to put out a lot of effort! For most of the first year and a half after college, I was just waiting for a community to fall in my lap. I just didn't want to put myself out there. I am just now finally starting to do so and it is hard!

5. What advice do you have for recent post grads?

Don't worry about having every thing figured out right away. I wish I had taken better advantage of my time and taken the time to figure out what I want to do. Put yourself out there to meet people, no matter how uncomfortable it makes you (I'm still working on this!). Enjoy yourself! :) You only get to be a young/mid-20 something for so long!

Confessions of a Real Post Grad: Shikole Struber and Allison Sass, founders of the blog "The Real Post Grad"

I will be interviewing different post grads to document their journey, give advice, learn from their triumphs and mistakes and so other post grads know they aren't alone. I will be talking to those lucky few who got their dream job right after their degree or those who went in a completely different direction than they had planned.

1. Explain to readers where and when you graduated, your degree and your current job/schooling.
Shikole Struber: I graduated from American University in Washington DC in 2010. My degree was in Political Science and minor in Communications, both of which I loved at the time. I now manage the office of an IT consulting firm, which is pretty much the farthest thing ever from my major.

Allison Sass: I graduated in 2010 from The State University of New York at Geneseo with a B.A. in Communications and a minor in Art Studio. My current job is as an Online Content Manager for a water conservation company in Rochester, NY. Basically, my job requires me to manage website text, create press releases, maintain our company blog, and send out our bi-monthly newsletter.

2. You just described your current situation, is this where you thought you'd be as a post grad?
SS: I of course had dreams of post grad life, but I can't say I really thought I'd be anywhere. My expectations were low with the economy how it is. I was just happy to get an offer.

AS: My job itself, yes, but where I'm actually working? Definitely not! It's turned out to be a great experience and I've learned a lot about an industry I never imagined I would write about for a living.

3. What is the best thing about being a post grad?

SS: I have the (semi) freedom to do whatever I want. If I want to order in pizza 3 times this week, I can (if I can afford it that week). I can eat ice cream and wine for dinner if I want to. It also finally feels like the world is my oyster again.

AS: Independence. I love making my own money, being able to pay my rent, and being able to provide for myself, on my own terms.

4. What is the worst?

SS: It sounds cliche, but the worst part is student loans and how much they drain my finances, increase my stress and generally make me sad.

AS: I miss college breaks most and having the chance to visit my family and home for extended periods of time. Full-time jobs obviously have limited vacation days, so it's been an adjustment from my college days of having off all summer long and for a month in the winter to only seeing my parents for a weekend or so every few months.

5. What advice do you have for recent post grads?

SS: Pay yourself first. It's Personal Finance 101 but barely anyone listens. Just $10 from every paycheck will REALLY add up when, say, your car breaks down again.

AS: Don't worry if you're not pursuing your passion or working at your dream job right away! Every job isn't going to be a "dream job" and you should be proud of all of the steps you take along the way in your post grad journey.

6. You started your own blog about being a post grad. I love it! What made you decide to start it?

SS: After graduation Allie, my business partner, and I felt lost. In every way. We realized we can't be the only ones so we decided to start our blog, The Real Post Grad, to bring community to a generation who desperately needed it.

AS: Thanks so much! We decided to start the blog about a month after college graduation when I was still job hunting and Shikole had just started her job. We both just wanted a place to write about day to day issues and hoped that putting our thoughts online might help others who felt excited, lost, and completely overwhelmed by post grad life like we did/still do sometimes.
7. What has been the most rewarding part of having this blog?

SS: I love interacting with our readers! Seeing all the comments and tweets make me smile every time. It feels like we are not only reaching our target audience, but getting through to them exactly how we wanted to.

AS: Connecting with all of the bloggers online and just having the chance to read blogs by other post grads.
8. The hardest challenge of maintaining it?

SS: Having time to keep it fresh. We both work 40+ hours a week, usually on the plus end of the spectrum. Between work, sleep (we all need sleep!), and friend time, it's hard to find time to keep everything rolling.

AS: For me, it's figuring out time where I can just sit down and write entries. I write all day long for my full time job, and sometimes it can be hard to make myself sit down and write during my free time.
9. Anything else you'd like to add about your blog or life as a post grad?

SS: Us post grads need to stick together. After writing that I realized how much it sounded like a segue into a Beatles song, but I'm okay with it.

AS: Contribute to our blog! This past February we launched a new website and we really would like to make it a more interactive place. This means we need opinions about post grad life from people that aren't us! We're also planning to start a "post grad chats" video series in the coming months, so even more changes are on the horizon.

As far as life as a post grad goes, we are by no means experts. When we share an "advice" post it's purely based on things that have worked for us and our experiences. We're still learning how to succeed at this stage of our life and want our readers to know that we are right there with them, figuring this whole 20-something thing out.

Confessions of a Real Post Grad: Kendra Bevier

I will be interviewing different post grads to document their journey, give advice, learn from their triumphs and mistakes and so other post grads know they aren't alone. I will be talking to those lucky few who got their dream job right after their degree or those who went in a completely different direction than they had planned.

1. Explain to readers where and when you graduated, your degree and your current job/schooling.

I graduated from Central Michigan University in May 2011 with a Bachelor of Science. I double majored in psychology and family studies. Currently, I am attending Wayne State University on a part-time basis to get my MSW (Masters of Social Work) degree. I will be finished May 2014. I am currently working full-time as a barista at Starbucks.

2. You just described your current situation, is this where you thought you'd be as a post grad?

I'm not really sure. I kind of decided on a whim that I wanted to go to grad school right away so I didn't really know what to expect.

3. What is the best thing about being a post grad?

The best thing is being in grad school. I really love ALL my classes, unlike undergraduate where you always had to take many that weren't of your interest.

4. What is the worst?

The worst thing is since I am in grad school I had to move back home since undergrad. Living at home isn't all that bad, but sometimes you just want to be independent. Many of my friends still haven't graduated from undergraduate yet, so often when I learn what they are up to I get jealous and wish I was back there. On the other end, I have friends who found jobs right out of college and are living on their own and I get jealous that I am not there yet.

5. What advice do you have for recent post grads?

My advice is try not to compare yourself to others. Working towards your passion is what matters. Some jobs are going to pay more, some jobs are going to be less stressful. In my case, the additional schooling isn't always fun but I know that I am on my way to having a higher education and being able to find that dream job of mine.

Confessions of a Real Post Grad: Nick Grenville

I will be interviewing different post grads to document their journey, give advice, learn from their triumphs and mistakes and so other post grads know they aren't alone. I will be talking to those lucky few who got their dream job right after their degree or those who went in a completely different direction than they had planned. We start with Nick Grenville, a graduate from Oakland University who moved to Florida after graduation and is struggling to figure out what he wants to do in life.

1. Explain to readers where and when you graduated, your degree and your current job/schooling.

I graduated Oakland University in 2009 (5 years after high school) with a Bachelors of Arts in Journalism. Currently, I am working in a restaurant and selling artwork on the side. Although I have been looking into writing grants for non-profit organizations.

2. You just described your current situation, is this where you thought you'd be as a post grad?

After graduating high school I thought I had my mind made up on what I would like to do for the rest of my life. In reality, I changed my major three times while in college before “deciding” what I wanted to do. Shortly after graduating Oakland University I ultimately realized that I did not like where that line of work would lead me either. Now after several years of working in kitchens, with a piece of paper hanging on my wall collecting dust, I discovered I might not have needed a degree after all. Conversely, a life without this education would be far worse.

I do think everyone should continue education via college or trade school. Similar to reading the newspaper or listening to NPR everyday, it is something not that difficult to do. A lot of people fear it yet all it can do is help. I thought I’d be a psychologist at this point in my life, however I am an educated man working in a kitchen.

3. What is your dream job?

I would love to solely sell my art through a gallery.

4. What is the best thing about being a post grad?

The best part is being able to say I have accomplished a goal of furthered education and having gained knowledge I might have otherwise missed out on due to laziness.

5. What is the worst?

The worst is not understanding why I didn’t take more consideration into what I wanted to do but hopefully everything will work out for the best.

6. What advice do you have for recent post grads?

Listen to your professors, link up with them and use them as a tool to help you find a job. Many of them have great connections and are willing to help people that are passionate about their degree.

Linkedin Tips and Tricks for Post Grads

Social media can be a great tool to use on your job hunt and Linkedin is the star. Using Linkedin to your advantage is a great way to make your mark as a post grad. Here are some tips and tricks on using Linkedin to help you land a fabulous job:

1. Review. Make sure your profile is top-notch. Fill it out completely using your resume as a resource. Add all of your past experiences, jobs, education and special skills. Make sure your photo is professional and appropriate. Make the heading of your profile interesting, not just stating "recent graduate". Say what you're looking for or showcase an amazing skill.

2. Participate. Join groups that relate to your career field and participate in discussions regularly. You never know who you may find in these groups to network with.

3. Connect. Link up with past employers, professors and people you meet in your real life job search as well as people from groups on Linkedin. You can have these people write recommendations for you or message them directly to find out about potential jobs.

4. Research. When you have an interview coming up, don't just research using Google. Find the company's profile on Linkedin and see what type of presence they have on the website. You may learn something unique that can give you an edge in the interview you wouldn't learn from their website.

5. Spark a conversation using status updates on your profile. Remember, this isn't Facebook, only use it to share professional updates or ask questions from other professionals.

6. When connecting with someone, be sure to complete the message portion of the invitation. Explain why you'd like to connect with them, but don't be obvious by saying something like, "I want you to help me find a job". Instead say something like, "I admire your work in (desired field). I would love to connect with you." Keep it short and sweet.

Linkedin can be a great tool to use for recent graduates if you put the time in to use it to your advantage.

How to Dress Professionally When the Weather Heats Up

Post grads certainly know or must learn the importance of dressing professionally when interviewing or while on the job. Your resume might get trashed if you come to an interview dressed less than impressive or you can lose your credibility by dressing inappropriately at the office. Yet what do you do when the sun starts shining and you're always in tank tops and shorts in your free time? How do you look professional but not sweat to death?

1. First of all, when dressing for an interview, always dress professional and cover up. A few hours of being hot and uncomfortable are worth it because it may help you get the job. Suits for men or women are usually the best bet. Even if you discover the office is causal dress, you still want to be overly dressed in professional attire to show that you're serious.

2. If you have a job, check their dress code and ask questions if it seems unclear. It is better to check, ask co-workers or ask your boss if shorts or other hot weather clothing items are acceptable and appropriate before getting in trouble for wearing them.

3. Once you understand your company's dress code, now is an excuse to do a little shopping. Shop at stores that carry professional work attire with prices a post grad can afford such as JC Penney, Sears, or Kohl's. Remember, you don't need a ton of new outfits but a few key pieces that you can mix and match.

Good luck, post grad! When you look the part and know your stuff, you're sure to snag a job or go up the job ladder in no time.

Finding the Right Post Grad Living Situation

You're done with college, you've found a job and now the next thing on your mind is moving out of your parent's house and settling into a new place. But how do you choose? Do you live alone, with roommates, or with a significant other? Choose an apartment, a home, or a condo? Where will you live? There are so many options but take these things into consideration when looking to move.

1. Make a budget and figure out how much you can spend. This will help you to determine what type of housing you are looking for, if you need one or more roommates and even what city you'll live in. Don't forget to factor in expenses such as groceries, cable, internet and utilities.

2. Decide where you want to live. Chances are if you have a full-time or part-time job, you will want to live close to your work. You may also want to live close (or far away) from your parents or just love a certain town in your state. Decide on a radius of where you see yourself living so you can look accordingly.

3. Decide whether you want to live on your own, with a roommate or two or three or with your boyfriend/girlfriend. First figuring out how much you can spend will help you make this decision. If you need or simply want to live with someone else, take into consideration who else you know who is looking for an apartment or home. Think about your similarities and differences. If you're an introverted homebody and decide to live in a small apartment with a party animal, that may not turn out too well.

4. Make a list of your must-haves. Do you need a washer and dryer or can you go home to do laundry at your parent's house? Maybe you want the bedrooms on the opposite ends of the apartments instead of next to each other or have two bathrooms instead of one. Figure out what you really want but make sure it is possible with your budget.

Once you've determined what type of place you're looking for, how much you can spend, have a roommate or two in mind, start looking. You can find a lot of information online to start with and then take a tour of a few places to see what they are like. At the tour, check out the other people and places in the area to see if it is a good fit. If you follow this advice, you'll find an amazing place for your life as a post grad. Good luck!

Stop The Post Grad Pity Party

Being a post grad is exciting at first. You've got the degree in your hand you worked so hard for. Your future is a clean slate. You are thinking about new jobs, new cars and new apartments. You're finally growing up. Yet after a while, perhaps a few months, reality sets in. Maybe you moved away from most of your friends. Maybe you can't get a job or aren't really sure what you want to do. Maybe you've been rejected and can't afford, well, anything. That's when the post grad pity party sets in. Here's how to squash those feelings:

1. Know what happens, happens for a reason. It may seem cliche, but I really do find this to be true. Think of the last job you really wanted but didn't get. Perhaps you would have had an awful boss or co-workers, maybe you weren't set for that kind of work or maybe there is an even better job offer on the horizon.

2. Take a break from worry, stress and anxiety. We put so much pressure on ourselves to find the perfect career, perfect partner and perfect life. Have faith that if you work hard enough, your life will turn out fabulous. Don't think that if you find that perfect job, then you'll be happy. Find a way to be happy in the meantime.

3. Think of it as a learning opportunity. Don't be discouraged by a bad job interview or missed opportunity. Take it all in as a learning opportunity and learn from your mistakes instead of beating yourself up about it.

Always remember to maintain a positive and hopeful attitude even when things seem really tough. Your dream job is out there and if you work hard and act positively, you'll land it in no time.

High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share these every weekend so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

1. The Big Career Shift: Your Financial Checklist
"Money is the biggest stumbling block when it comes to changing careers later in life. That’s because starting over in a new field, particularly a philanthropic one, or going the self-employment route usually comes with a price tag, at least initially."

2. Don't Let your Job Search Depress You
"If you are looking for a job right now, it is certain to take longer than you would like... So how do you keep your spirits up in such a tough environment?"

3. 7 Goofs to Avoid on a Thank-You Email
"Writing a well-crafted thank-you email following a job interview can give you a positive boost. It shows you're an organized, courteous, eager, and savvy professional."

4. Watch Your Mouth: Office Gossip and Other No-Nos 
"Whenever you hear something juicy about a colleague, whether it is related to work or not, you have the immediate impulse to share it across the hall."

5. Advice I Wish I Had Before Transitioning into Post-Grad Life
"College is the best time to test different fields and career paths and try to figure out what you really want in life. Take advantage of this opportunity by exploring as much as you can."

When Do You Stop Being a Post Grad?

It has been over a year since I've graduated college, but I still consider myself a post grad. Which leads me to the question: when do you stop being a post grad? When you land a full-time job? When you get any sort of job? A year after you graduate? Two years?

For some twenty somethings, the post grad title can be somewhat of a security blanket. If they identify as a post grad, they don't feel as if they have to have the perfect career yet. It allows some time to figure things out.

I think you can rid yourself of the post grad title when you feel you're good and ready. Now, five years after you graduate when you're in a "real job" I don't think you can really call yourself a post grad, but for a few years after college when you're figuring your life out, I think it is appropriate.

Just don't use the post grad title as an excuse. Some twenty somethings may use it as an out if they don't feel like entering "the real world". Work hard, job search and network until you find your dream job. Once you're settled in, I think you can officially call yourself a working adult.

When do you think you stop being a post grad?